Can You Put Milk In A Keurig (Do This Instead)

Keurig machines are a convenient way to make a tasty cup of coffee. And if you enjoy creamy milk beverages, you might be tempted to take this convenience a step further and warm your milk.

You should never put milk in a Keurig machine’s water reservoir. It will burn, block, and destroy your Keurig machine. It will also taste absolutely terrible. The only Keurig machine with the ability to take milk is the Keurig K-Cafe. If you want to start making milky coffee these are your options below:

• Buy flavored K-Cups
• Buy milk pods
• Buy Keurig K-Cafe
• Buy a milk frother

Join us as we explore alternative methods to get the perfect cup of coffee without sacrificing your machine. 

Can You Put Milk In A Keurig Coffee Machine? 

Most Keurig models aren’t designed to heat anything other than water. If you’re looking for an all-rounder, consider buying the Keurig K-Café.

If You Have The Keurig K-Café:

Purchasing a K-Café is one of the most convenient steps you can take to elevate your coffee ritual. The model is one of the most versatile: it has a built-in milk heater and a frother. This means you can create a variety of your favorite milk beverages–lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

For All Other Models:

Other models aren’t equipped with features to brew anything other than water. In case you’re thinking of trying it anyway, here’s what can happen if you put milk in your brewer.

What Happens If You Put Milk In A Keurig?

Adding milk to your machine won’t cause any harm, right? It’s a liquid, so it qualifies to pass through the internal tank… Not quite. Here’s what might happen if you toss the creamy liquid into your machine. 

You’ll Get A Clogged machine 

Milk can clog the small tubing and needles in the Keurig, causing a blockage that can prevent your machine from working correctly. This can lead to frustrating brewing issues that can be difficult to fix.

You’ll Burn The milk 

Keurig machines aren’t designed to heat the milk directly, and if you try to force it through the machine, you may end up with burnt or scalded milk. Not only will this ruin your coffee, but it can also damage your Keurig machine.

You’ll Damage The Machine 

The acids in the milk can corrode the internal components of the machine, causing it to break down or malfunction. This can be expensive to fix or even require you to purchase a new machine.

So, You Put Milk In The Water Tank: Here’s How To Clean Your Keurig Machine After Adding Milk 

Follow these steps to ensure you’ve flushed out all the milk residue. 

What You’ll Need 

• Large ceramic container 
• Non-abrasive cloth 
• Dish soap
• Needle or paper clip
• Descaling solution
• Access to a sink

1. Cleaning the water tank 

1. Remove the water filter.
2. Wash the reservoir with warm soapy water. 
3. Rinse well and let it air dry. 

2. Cleaning the injector needle 

Cleaning the exit nozzle

1. Remove the water reservoir.
2. Remove the pod holder by gently pulling it away from the brewer.
3. Insert the clip into the exit needle to loosen any clogs.
4. Rinse it thoroughly under running water.
5. Reattach it to the housing.

Cleaning the entrance nozzle.

Underneath the brewer’s head, you’ll see the entrance needle. 

1. Insert the paper clip and move it around in a circular motion to remove any clogs.
2. Put the capsule holder into the brewer. 
3. Reattach the water reservoir to the brewer. 

4. Cleaning the pod holder 

1. Place the mug on the drip tray. 
2. Run a water-only brew by selecting the largest cup size.

The following step is optional, but if you want to ensure there’s no milk lingering in the internal components, we recommend you descale your machine.

5. Descaling your Keurig 

 Preparation 

1. Remove the water filter from the water tank.
2. Empty the water reservoir. 
3. Pour the entire bottle of the descaling solution into the water tank.
4. Fill the bottle with water and pour the water into the reservoir. 
5. Reattach the tank to the machine.
6. Place the mug on the drip tray.

Descale cycle 

1. Press the brew button.
2. Discard the water and place the mug on the tray.
3. Repeat until the reservoir is empty.

Rinse cycle 

1. Rinse the water tank and fill it with clean water to the MAX line.
2. Place the mug on the drip tray.
3. Press the brew button. 
4. Discard the water.
5. Repeat the rinse cycle two more times to flush out all residual solutions.

Here’s What To Do Instead Of Adding Milk To Keurig 

We also love milky beverages. And since it’s impossible to achieve this with the models we have, we tried out a few techniques, and found the best alternatives. Here’s how to navigate a milk-less brew. 

Option 1. Buy flavored K-Cups 

If you’re looking to enhance the taste of your coffee without adding milk, flavored K-Cups might be just what you need! They come in various flavors, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.

Option 2. Buy milk pods 

Milk pods are a fantastic option. Some companies offer two-step drinks that come with a coffee pod and a milk pod. You can brew your coffee first and then use the milk pod to make frothed milk. 

Option 3. Buy The Keurig K-Café 

Or you can invest in a Keurig K-café machine. They’re designed specifically for making lattes and other milk-based drinks. They come equipped with a built-in milk frother, so you can heat and froth your milk directly in the machine without the need for additional equipment.

Option 3. Buy a milk frother 

If you’re not looking to invest in a new machine, you can purchase a milk frother. They’re inexpensive and are available at most stores. Simply heat your milk in a microwave-safe container, pour it into the frother, and let it do its magic.

Our Recommendation For Getting Hot Milk With Your Keurig Coffee 

Here are a few ways to add some extra richness and creaminess to your cup:

• Use a milk frother: We’re fond of milk frothers because they heat and froth milk for you, making them perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
• Heat milk on the stove: If you don’t have a milk frother, you can always heat your milk on the stove. 
• Use a microwave: If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave. 

Conclusion 

We understand how tempting it is to put milk in your Keurig machine for a quick and easy latte, but it’s not recommended. Doing so can cause a variety of issues, from clogging your machine to damaging its internal components. Instead, use one of the alternative methods in this post, such as heating and frothing your milk separately, or using milk pods compatible with Keurig machines. 

Frequently Asked Questions